Channel 4 Actor fined for disturbing neighbours
An actor and rapper from the Channel 4 programme Top Boy about guns, drugs and gangs has been found guilty of causing his neighbours distress for more then 18 months.
Shone Romulus, 26, was tried in his absence at Thames Magistrates’ Court for causing a noise nuisance to his neighbours in Dersingham Avenue, Manor Park.
Romulus failed to attend court where it was heard that in October 2013 he played music so loudly that his neighbours properties walls vibrated , preventing a 3 year old and 18 month old from sleeping at 9.30pm at night.
When the councils anti-social behaviour noise nuisance team approached him he slammed a door in their faces refusing to turn down the music.
This was in despite of already being warned for his extremely loud music in February 2013, when Romulus was issued with a noise abatement notice and cautioned he could receive a fixed penalty notice of £100 and face potential legal proceedings.
Romulus was issued with said fixed penalty notice in October 2013 which he failed to pay resulting in Newham commencing legal proceedings against him. He appeared before magistrates earlier this year in March where he pleaded not guilty and a court date was set for August 14th.
Despite his failure to attend Romulus was tried in his absence and found guilty after the neighbours evidence was heard. He received a £600 fine with a victim surcharge of £60 and £1,262.94 in court fees.
As for the distressed neighbours involved their nightmare was finally over on the 24th of April when Romulus, a council tenant, was evicted for nearly £3000 worth of rent arrears.
Councillor Ian Corbett, Mayoral Advisor for Environment and Leisure, said: “Our enforcement team worked tirelessly to support the victims in this case who repeatedly faced noise and disruption to their daily lives due to this man’s inconsiderate behaviour and we are grateful that they attended court and gave evidence to magistrates last week.”
The case marks a triumph for the councils anti-social behaviour and noise nuisance team who were not deterred by his apparent fame, Councillor Corbett continued: “Romulus has now faced the justice system and this should be a lesson to others who think that they can get away with flouting the law.”